People choose to detox for a number of reasons. Whether you’re looking to drop a few pounds, kickstart a new healthy eating regimen or simply want to rid your body of a toxin build up, a good detox can be be just the answer you’re looking for.
Detoxes can range from more extreme liquid-only cleanses to a less-intense weaning off of certain foods, beverages or ingredients. Regardless of which plan you choose, you’re sure to reap the rewards of a cleaner system.
And while each positive change you make is a step in the right direction, don’t make the mistake of replacing one evil with another. Here is a list of foods you’ll want to avoid during your detox process.
By all means you’ll want to avoid any added sugars or sugar substitutes. While sugar may be the lesser of the two evils, it still is a major no-no for detoxers and dieters alike. And don’t be fooled by “low-calorie” snacks and beverages as these contain artificial sweeteners, many of which have been linked to cancer and other health conditions.
Alcohol and coffee should be greatly reduced or cut cold-turkey. Alcohol stresses the liver, the very organ you are trying to detoxify. Coffee, though known to provide a healthy helping of antioxidants, should be limited during the detox process as well as all other sources of caffeine.
Packaged anything should be eliminated at all costs. Snacks, deli meats and frozen dinners more often contain high levels of sodium, preservatives, food colorings and other additives that put excess strain on the liver and kidneys. Plus, the processing often rids most of these foods of much of their nutritional value to begin with.
Gluten / wheat-containing products are also a no-no. Many individuals are gluten-sensitive and don’t even know it. Eliminating this product from your diet will help determine if you are one of the millions affected by this condition while improving your digestion process as well.
Be sure to check labels though, as gluten hides in many places including sauces, spreads, beverages and more (things with the word wheat, barley or rye in them are not gluten free, but a lot of products contain gluten that is quite hidden – look for the GF label).
Conventional red meat and dairy products also top the list of foods to cut out while detoxing. Most adults suffer from some aspect of lactose intolerance. And excessive conventional meat consumption hinders digestion and contributes to high levels of toxins that strain the liver. This is especially true if your selections aren’t organic. These meats are filled with added antibiotics and hormones. Depending on your specific plan, seafood and other meats may be eliminated as well. If not, be sure to choose only organic grass-fed meats as well as local, low-mercury fresh caught fish.
While the list of foods to avoid may appear overwhelming, don’t give up. There remains a bounty of delicious options available including fresh organic fruits and vegetables, numerous spices and seasonings, nut and seed butters, dairy alternatives, gluten-free grains and more.
Eliminating at least a few of these toxic foods from your diet will allow you to explore a world of healthier alternatives. Hopefully, even once the detox period is complete, you will continue to incorporate a few of these new foods into your new healthy eating plan.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://bembu.com/detox-foods
http://www.womanandhome.com/diet-and-health/290789/detox-diet-food-you-can-t-eat
http://www.wholeliving.com/134319/action-plan-detox-foods-eat-foods-avoid
http://forvibranthealth.wordpress.com/2013/08/27/12-foods-to-avoid-during-your-detox-or-cleanse
